Reducing energy poverty with national renovation strategies: a unique opportunity

The long-term renovation strategies developed by Member States are an opportunity to reduce energy poverty through stimulating deep renovation of buildings.

Member States cannot miss the opportunity to achieve the triple goal of increasing the rate and depth of renovation, achieving energy savings targets and improving the living conditions of millions of vulnerable citizens. National renovation strategies must include dedicated policies and measures for low income households.

At least 50 million Europeans, around 10% of the total population, are energy poor. Energy poverty is linked to low household income, high energy costs and energy inefficient homes, and is known to have severe impacts on the health of EU citizens including increased numbers of winter deaths, detrimental effects on mental health, respiratory and circulatory problems.

Recommendations on how to alleviate energy poverty through sound renovation strategies are laid out in this factsheet.